You won't see much corned beef in cabbage in Ireland on St. Patrick's Day. St. Patrick's Day were invented in the USA. And until relatively recently you couldn't buy alcohol on the national holiday.Some fun facts about how the Irish really celebrate St. Patrick's Day.

Potatoes are almost synonymous with Irish culture. But they are a relatively recent dietary innovation. The Irish potato, however, is completely woven into the Irish consciousness as well as the national menu.

The first week of March is Irish Tree Week. Irish Culture owes a huge debt to trees. The first Irish alphabet was the ogham or tree alphabet. The Celtic tree calendar followed the seasonal cycle and an ancient Celtic Goddess even married a tree!

Technically, Biddy Early is not Ireland's last witch. But she is certainly the last person threatened with prosecution under witchcraft laws. Ireland's last witchcraft trial was held in Ennis, Co. Clare in 1865. Local 'cunning woman' Biddy Early was in the dock.

Imbolc (or Imbolg)is the Irish for the month of February. It is also one of the four Celtic pagan 'fire festivals' on the cross quarter days. Winter may still be biting, but actually, this is the beginning of Spring! It is welcome!

St. Brigid's Day is 1st February. Even if there is frost on the snowdrops, this is the official start to the Celtic Spring. We are six weeks between Christmas and the Spring Equinox. Celebrate brighter days and the earth getting ready to sprout seedlings with my Seed Cake recipe.

The Festival of Brigit on 1st February is the official start of the Irish spring. The snow may still be on the snowdrops but this ancient celebration of Ireland's saint and goddess begins the season of renewal.